Narryer Metals Uncovers Promising Mineralization at Rocky Gully Project
Narryer Metals has announced a successful initial drilling program at its Rocky Gully Rare Earth Elements (REE) project in Western Australia. The company identified carbonatite rock and REE/scandium mineralization in the drill core, particularly in drillhole RGDD002, which showed 9 meters at 0.33% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) from 13 meters depth. This includes a high of 1 meter at 0.47% TREO.
Executive Chairman Richard Bevan expressed optimism about the discovery, highlighting the identification of a carbonatite intrusive at Rocky Gully and the confirmation of high-grade scandium mineralization. Bevan emphasized the well-defined targets for the next phase of drilling, including aircore drilling and RC drilling of magnetic and gravity targets developed from 2023 ground surveys.
The Rocky Gully project is part of Narryer's broader focus on critical mineral exploration, complementing its Canadian lithium projects. Carbonatites are particularly valuable, as evidenced by recent discoveries in Western Australia by WA1 Resources and Encounter Resources.
The initial drilling program, co-funded by the Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme, involved two diamond holes at the Ivar Prospect, reaching a maximum depth of 300 meters each. These holes aimed to test the carbonatite exploration model developed by the company. The drilling identified a carbonatite dyke and various mineral phases through SEM petrology, indicating a potentially extensive carbonatite system.
Future exploration at Rocky Gully will target untested gravity highs identified from ground surveys, with additional aircore and RC drilling planned. The presence of high-grade scandium mineralization also prompted further investigation to determine its extent.
Scandium, listed as a critical mineral in the US and EU, is used in various high-tech applications including aluminum-scandium alloys and solid oxide fuel cells. The current scandium market is small but expected to grow significantly, with prices ranging from $3800 to $5000 per kilogram.
